H70.229

What This Code Means

This code describes a long-term infection or inflammation of the petrous bone (the dense bone behind the ear that contains part of the inner ear). It's a chronic condition affecting the ear structure, but the specific ear involved is not documented.

Coding Tips

• •Use this code only when the documentation indicates chronic petrositis without specification of which ear (right, left, or bilateral) is affected; if the ear is specified, use H70.221 (right) or H70.222 (left) instead
• •Petrositis is often a complication of chronic otitis media or mastoiditis, so review the medical record for related ear conditions that may need additional coding